Minutes: July 27, 2006

Meeting was called to order by Donna Wilson at 7:41 p.m.

Statement of Compliance

The following statement of compliance was read by Donna Wilson. Pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231, P.L. 1975 adequate notice as defined in Section 3D of Chapter 231, P.L. 1975 has been forwarded to the New Jersey Herald and published on February 3, 2006. Notice is also posted on the bulletin board and filed with the office of the Township Clerk.

Roll Call of Members

The roll call of members was called and Dick Wetzel, Andrew Borsiuk, Charles Blessing, Christopher Hanke, and Donna Wilson answered the call.

Donna Wilson announced that due to an illness Henry Capro will be resigning from the HPC. The HPC will request that the first alternate, Dolores Dobbs, is appointed to the position of full member; second alternate, Charles Blessing, is appointed to the position of first alternate; and a new member shall be appointed to the position of second alternate.

Approval of Minutes

Charles Blessing made a motion to approve the June 22, 2006 minutes as amended; Christopher Hanke seconded the motion.

Meeting Opened to the Public

No members of the public were present.

Historical Society Liaison Report

In Dolores Dobbs absence, Christopher Hanke reported the officers were elected at the last Historical Society meeting and the new president is Jessi Paladini.

Mayor Janet Morrison reported the town will be requesting the Historical Society relocate their office which is currently in the lower level of the municipal building to a new location. The mayor expressed concern for the condition of the historic documents stored in the office which has a damp environment.

The mayor suggested the HPC nominate Dolores Dobbs for a Friends of Vernon Award to recognize her service as president of the Historical Society and the Friends of Waywayanda.

Old Business

Status of Baxter Homestead

The mayor explained that the resolution states the designation is consistent with the Master Plan, however, in actuality it is not consistent. Therefore, it requires a Master Plan amendment. The town planner must prepare the amendment and a public hearing must be held to modify the Master Plan.

The mayor further explained that the planning board suggested the HPC submit all applications for designation at one time, the town planner requested the HPC submit applications as a group because there is a duplication of work in each application, and the county has objected because Master Plan changes should be few.

The mayor requested the HPC draft a list of questions for the town attorney regarding designation procedures and the listing of properties on the Master Plan.

Status of Longwell/Drew Cemetery

The mayor explained the property requires a survey and a metes and bounds description in order to create a lot and block designation. The mayor suggested the HPC form a list of all historic locations that require a lot and block designation and request a budget to subdivide and survey such properties.

Master Plan

Christopher Hanke provided the list of properties originally included on the Master Plan. The properties are identified on a map but do not include lot and block designation.

The mayor will ask if the Master Plan can be amended to add lot and block designations to the list of historic properties with a minimum amount of overhead.

Status of Town Council Liaison

The mayor reported Phil Weiler has not been present due to a family illness.

Status of the Sign at St. Thomas Church

Andy Borsiuk offered to speak with Freeholder Glen Vitrano regarding the status of correcting the spelling of the Allen family name and lowering the sign.

Board of Education Building

To be carried to the next meeting.

New Business

New Structure for Designation

Andy Borsiuk suggested the South family barn and house located on Route 94 should be considered for designation. He will ask the family if they are interested in historic designation.

Elaine Cope

Charles Blessing has not been able to contact Ms. Cope regarding her request for the HPC to view her home and consider it for designation. He requested the matter be carried to next meeting.

Application Review

PB #7-05-7: JD Vernon Lodge & Inn—Revised Final Site Plan

The HPC agreed the application does not create significant historic impact.

PB #9-03-14: Vest-In-Land—Revised Final Subdivision

The HPC received only a copy of the plans without an application or letter of explanation. The HPC agreed to request further information from the planning board in order to conduct a review.

ZB #5-06-9: Surjit Singh—Variance to Construct Canopy & Site Plan

The HPC agreed the application does not create significant historic impact.

ZB #5-06-9: Tall Timbers Property Owners

The HPC agreed the application does not create significant historic impact.

Adjournment

There being no further items of business for the Regular Meeting, a motion was made by Christopher Hanke to adjourn the meeting; Charles Blessing seconded the motion. The regular meeting of the Vernon Township Historic Preservation Commission was adjourned at 9:24 p.m.